Let Love, Compassion and Forgiveness Blossom

Finding our way out of winter makes March tricky terrain every year. But with a plethora of planets in watery Pisces (!) it's easy to feel adrift unless we embrace the opportunity to experience our unity with everyone - plus plants, animals, rocks, and even mystical dimensions of fairies, angels and aliens. (Think of them as symbols if it helps.)

Pisces blurs the edges between our egocentric selves and the broader experience of the mysterious universe available to us. We are in the 'wave' of consciousness and can feel lost to ourselves in this unfamiliar territory where spirit and matter cease to exist as duality. They are a unity, part of a whole. The New Moon in Pisces ( March 17 @ 6:11 am PDT) bridges the gap between dreamy days of winter and energetic spring – but just barely! Mercury and Venus like those harbingers of spring, the robins and crocuses, forged their way into Aries on March 5 and 6 signaling a return to our sense of individuality where we are 'particles' of consciousness.

Astrologers and many cultures celebrate the Spring Equinox as a new year. Remembering that new moons are times to plant intentions and with this one coming a mere four days before the equinox, it's an especially potent time to set our hopes and aspirations for the new cycle. It is zero degrees Aries which infuses us with a dynamic energy to carry us forward.

This moon travels with Chiron, the Wounded Healer, who offers us a look at how far we have come in releasing our isolation and including ourselves in the Piscean sense of oneness. What illusions, addictions, powerlessness or victimhood have you released over the last eight years? How has unconditional love, compassion and forgiveness blossomed in your life over that time? Good work, and keep it going until spring and Aries arrive in abundance.

Horoscope March 17-31

Pisces, you embody unity. Catch the vision of how spirit moves through your body and personality. The more you are you, the more spirit moves you. (Dance, ballerina, dance.) The lesson you carry we need. If confusion sets in, let a girl friend untangle you.

Aries, Uranus, the planet of unequivocal individuality, has traveled Aries for YEARS! It moves on soon so make good use of it now. Break through barriers keeping you from your unapologetic, radiant self. There is a warrior in you. Take on the good fights!

Taurus, you've gone all altruistic on us. Good, your associates need your pragmatic philanthropy. The source of this benevolence lies in time with nature, music, quiet and dreams so don't skimp on down time. It fuels your sense of beauty, harmony and values making life richer.

Gemini, before tilting at windmills, you need a girl-friend conference to sort yourself out and pick a direction. A renewed sense of the common good is calling for your attention in your 8-5 job. Let the word out to your network. You are ready!

Cancer, your executive skills seek employment, collaboration and an exploration of the mysteries of the universe! Knowing your purpose and surrendering to it is the point of your life. Breakthroughs in how the dimensions intersect abound and you are travel through them.

Leo, creating is your game and when you dedicate it to the common good, you yourself are re-created and passions fire up. Dedicate your art to the art itself and those who benefit. Take a break from personal desires and let the river carry you. Stay positive and keep the faith.

Virgo, plant new intentions concerning close friends, spouse and enemies. Pile on the compassion and forgiveness. Yes, you spend LOTS of energy dealing with their stuff, literally. If they are gentle souls, remember they soothe your frayed nerves. For balance? A gossipy lunch with a witty friend!

Libra, for a relationship-oriented person wanting peace and harmony, relationships are a mine-field. Let friends sort you out and don't argue. Just listen! It would be hard for you to work too hard - it's not your thing, But it may be your turn and no time for a 'headache'. Sacrifice for a cause.

Scorpio, four days and counting before work goes into high gear at equinox. Put all ideas on the table and get creative. Then, enact the plan! Personal opportunities that opened up over last fall are up for review. It may be a question of which ones you want and how to balance them.

Sagittarius, what was up in the air could appear to be grinding to a standstill. It's just your guardian angel rehashing recent undertakings. Check your roots and home for details that trip you up. Untangle skeletons in the closet and watch your natural enthusiasm resurface.

Capricorn, a life, body and health renovation goes on even as things appear to fall apart. Bring your ambition home to the family. Focus on what you want - not what you are assigned to do. Inappropriate responsibility ruins health, family, relationships and work. Don't go there!

Aquarius, here's the scenario: you sold the idea, money is flowing your way and you are working like crazy behind the scenes. You may doubt yourself, so keep talking to allies, keep good records and keep going. You won't know you can until you do. Put your hands on the steering wheel.

Sweet Energy and a Softened Heart

Aquarius takes us to the highest reaches of humankind and deposits us at the gate of Pisces' garden where a new landscape appears. The Sun along with four other planets in Pisces shifts our focus to a magical, elusive world connected to visions and all that is. Here Pisces' language of myths and metaphors unlocks our potential to experience mystical connection. Through the symbols and archetypes of music, poetry, dreams, dance, art, nature and literature we step over into a new experience where we personally connect with the unity of all life.

Some people want to live in that world as exclusively as others only want to live in this “real” world. Drugs and Jim Beam can take you to Pisces Land – but that is an illusion, no more real than the idea of “Beam me up, Scottie!” And to live in only one of the two dimensions is a poor life indeed.

The true route to this magical land lies through our hearts, cracked and tender from life's journey through the eleven previous signs. Softened and humbled, we leave our isolating ego and step into a world of spirit where body and soul merge. We could call it a whole brain hallucination or a peak experience. Whatever! It is a rich rebirth and we are returned to our innocence.

The Virgo full moon (March 1, 4:51 pm PST) interrupts our watery revery and asks for balance. Even as our souls are fed, our bodies need bread. Tying daily work to spiritual service lightens the load on the Virgo end and keeps us grounded on the Pisces' side. However, Virgo and Pisces blend beautifully in jobs that care for both bodies and soul: medicine, yoga, meditation and massage, NGOs, hospitals and hospice, restaurants and hotels, humane societies and ecological work.

Wounds surface when they are ready for healing which leaves us more caring and kind. This full moon holds a promise of healing what keeps us separated from the great mysteries of life. Go gently - it isn't easy being an Earth Angel!

Horoscope March 1 – 17

Pisces, going with the flow comes naturally but a tsunami of Pisces planets may leave you overwhelmed. Take time to do inner visionary work. (Make art?) Focus on letting others open doors for you. Your work in the world expands in wonderful ways.

Aries, the world is too much with you and your attention's gone fuzzy. Are you clinging to “the way it is” and blocking soul experience? Smell the primroses, shift gears down and rest - which could look like an adventure without a schedule. You are in a different world.

Taurus, kind friends and philanthropic service balances you out so you can you remember “not all things that are important can be measured” (Einstein). From a refreshed perspective, see who and how you can help. It could be fun! Definitely, practical.

Gemini, you try to maintain logic, Data! But your true, right work is intuitive, must have heart and means something personal to you. It could have a legacy or tradition attached to it, maybe from your family. Putter around at home. It will come to you.

Cancer, the highest and best philosophy feels suffering and does something to help. You are right there. Let it work through you. Reach out to neighbors or family to help with pragmatic problems. The right person (or was that an angel?) lands in your lap right on time.

Leo, there is a network of angels applauding every step you take. Open your heart to trust the process, the universe, your near and dear, even, yourself. Do what works for you and your energy, resources, body, and interests and it will be enough. Rest.

Virgo, you can be so persnickety and you know it. But, look at the multitude of angels preparing the way for you every day. Noticing, expressing gratitude and believe it or not, asking for more help, lightens you up. Put your load down, brother.

Libra, set your intention to get to the bottom of any mysterious health issue. Follow your gut. Try an alternative path, energy healing along with allopathic work. Open to the mystical, and fall into kindness and caring as an expression of your heart, not your manners.

Scorpio, your values are yours alone and so don't go preaching. Invest in fun and games, a little adventure. Part of the break you need is from your brain ruts. Trust the world to hold you and let the healing begin. Figure out your own hidden agenda, Sherlock!

Sagittarius, your guardian angel is working overtime to connect you with a mother lode of compassion. Choose - preaching or falling into a spiritual experience. You can't get there talking about it! It comes in daydreams, sleep, through family history and ancestors. Don't talk. Shhhhhh!!!!

Capricorn, it comes to you through poetry or lyrics. You are most pragmatic. Even then you feel the suffering and quietly burn with compassion and caring. Capricornian Martin Luther King dreamt a Piscean dream and made it real in one word - march. One foot in front of the other. It is enough.

Aquarius, eclipses warmed your cool intellect, a (r)evolution grows at your very roots and there's a mighty push at your back. You may be shifting into a kinder, gentler you, but there is a wave of feeling that won't leave you alone. There's work to do - gather the troops and help the People.

Awakening the Path between Head and Heart

The winds of change howl when eclipses are waking us up. However the time from one eclipse to the next one, fourteen days later, is a bit of betwixt and between. The lunar eclipse (January 31) granted us a chance to glimpse outdated wounds from our past which inhibit us in ways we normally can't see. Seeing beyond the veil of our everyday, knee-jerk reactions lets us reset our emotions. With this brighter awareness we can make different decisions in moving forward although that can come after the second eclipse.

The solar eclipse (February 15 at 1:05 pm PST), the monthly new moon, uses the emotional reset of the eclipsed moon to reset the sun's impulses. Aquarius' cooler emotions and ability to detach brings unseen possibilities, broader adventures and a return of our personal zest!

In an extraordinarily long period with no planets in retrograde motion, the momentum for moving forward down our path surprises us as we dare take the fork in the road that feels right and pick up speed. After abandoning the the path of resistance, the long, exhausting and unrewarding one, we remember that the path between the head and the heart is the shortest. The re-energized heart instinctively chooses right action.

Mercury travels with the Sun and Moon. This trio feels the sizzle of Uranus, ruler of Aquarius and the Higher Mind, igniting innovative, and evolutionary thoughts in lightening-bolt style. Aquarius, the last air sign, sends a clarion call for us to step into a more mature mind, one capable of holding dichotomies, koans and diverse points of view and knowing that all have a valid point - and a place at the table of humankind.

All we have to do is climb out of fixed and rigid ruts and be Bearers of Light.

Horoscopes February 15 to March 1

Aquarius, your work and open doors lie where the resistance is in you. Who do you think might not deserve a place at the table? Well, sit right down beside them (an older, established authority figure?) and prepare to discover your fear, open your heart and make a new ally.

Pisces, Venus bridges the gap between humans and idealism. Or is that fantasy? Take a bit of a retreat to consider how deep the wounds go that keep you feeling isolated, like a fish out of water. Claim your humanity or risk being your own worst enemy. Bring compassion to the messy.

Aries, your energy is pumping! Remember the game is about how you fit into the tribe, not about being an island! Use your inspiration, sense of adventure and courageous heart to go where you avoid, where angels fear to tread. Dedicate your actions to the whole of mankind!

Taurus, resistance is your Achille's heel and being stuck in your own reality is shooting yourself in the foot. Allies encourage you to feel the wound and heal. Trust your pragmatic sense of rightness and risk caring and compassion. Humbly write a check to Fishline to pass Go!

Gemini, feeling dull? Break up your routine to catch the flash of new thoughts. Get out of Dodge even if it's just a road trip to Sequim! Call your most adventurous buddy and engage in a brainstorm of wild ideas for humanity. Your mission is to keep ideas alive until their time comes.

Cancer, the cool Aquarian moon depersonalizes emotions so you can see universal patterns and law. You can take things so personally, you pinch compassionate feelings off. Take time to explore the tender, hidden places you rarely glimpse. How do you use them to isolate?

Leo, frankly, it's about your marriage partner. Even the people closest to you have childhoods full of emotional bumps and bruises. Get off stage and tend to your wounds. A little detachment opens the constraints of marriage to fresh breezes and new collaborations. Let them be a star in your world!

Libra, your PR person says you long for relationships. Maybe. Or maybe they are too messy for your idealism. Is it easier to detach and stay above the fray? Jump into the mess, fall in love, have an affair. Ultimately you'll learn something about your heart. Care for your body's vague issues.

Scorpio, arrrgghhh, go deep or go home. What a royal pain - because it's at home and in your roots, childhood, mom, women and ancestors where the rub lies. The right viewpoint turns this into a grand adventure of self-discovery! Of all signs you can shed old skin and rebirth a shiny new one.

Sagittarius, to know truth is to share truth. Quiet times ignite generous aha moments as healing moves in. A personal, inspired view of how local, personal behavior impacts the globe moves you from philosophical ponderings to actions like writing and communicating. Sow your seeds far and wide.

Capricorn, (last - but not to be left out!) after a few years plodding along behind the scenes, you're on fire. You see the changes that move you forward and those that are a waste of time. It's a brilliant insight about how your human mind/heart is your greatest, most pragmatic resource.

Cosmic Invitations for Up-Grading our Humanity

Star patterns change like a circle in a spiral and a wheel within a wheel. Each day brings a sunrise and sunset and spring follows winter as surely as autumn follows summer. When we notice the rhythmic flow of the cosmos, we tap into the eternal and mysterious. Isn't it funny though how frustrated we are when a pattern repeats itself in our life. “What?! I thought I'd handled that!”

Eclipses bring repeating patterns around every nineteen years when they fall on the same degree, in the same sign and in the same place in birth charts. Where were you and what were you doing in 1999? What fork in the road did you take? Perhaps the one you didn't will return in a new form at this full moon (lunar) eclipse (January 31 at 5:26 am PST)?

An eclipse series, currently in Leo and Aquarius, keeps the focus on one section of the birth chart to give us a twenty-month independent study program. This lunar eclipse and the solar eclipse (February 15) re-energize points activated at the eclipses of August, 2017 – which were activated nineteen years ago, too. There's that circle in a spiral thing!

The Leo moon stirs longings to be loved as unconditionally as babies. But, alas, we grew up and were expected to be good, follow the rules and get along. So we denied aspects of ourselves in hope of attaining unconditional love. Denied emotions like jealousy, resentment, anger and loneliness crept in telling us sad, childish stories about our lives.

A lunar eclipse offers a glimpse at those shadowy emotions helping us release old (sob) stories and write new ones offering more love and acceptance for ourselves and therefore others. Venus traveling very close to the sun brings a new vision. “Expand into your universal hearts and don't hold back.” This love is not personal but of the Aquarian ideals: humanitarian, democratic, progressive, innovative and inclusive.

Cosmic patterns are constant invitations to engage in building awareness and and up-grading our humanity. Can we take our Golden Hearts (Leo) to all of humankind (Aquarian)? If we can't, what holds us back? Our inner work is our humanitarian work. How's that for amazing?

Horoscopes January 31 – February 15

Aquarius, happy birthday! These two years of eclipses in Leo and Aquarius call you to your humanitarian mission. You can inspire others to a more expansive vision. Partners help because they reflect what you like and don't like...about yourself. Isn't that annoying?!

Pisces, the humanitarian mission lives in your blind spot but service to others can keep you from being your own worse enemy. Find a more playful approach to work, health, daily routine and practical duties to entertain your inner child and avoid the whiny. Add daily sparkle!

Aries, your inner child energy drives you forward in the house of play and creativity. You want to stamp everything you touch with your stamp. Higher consciousness visions flood you now and look like amazing adventures. Go build houses for earthquake victims. Why not? Be a hero!

Taurus, you are a tad cranky stretched between work where you make money and wanting to be home in your castle. Your humanitarian efforts comes in the form of slow change, writing checks for good causes and writing it off as good business. Giving back to your roots is good for business.

Gemini, all work and no play makes Ms. Butterfly dreary indeed. If you can't get away on an adventure, go for plan B. Plan a trip now and commit to going later. Escape with a great book, or fabulous movie. You feel like an Iron Butterfly. Energize with daily doses of fun.

Cancer, strip down to essentials, get rid of stuff, organize what's left. Let go and feel free. Set up wills, insurance and annuities which might include your favorite charities. Be sure your budget includes fun, imaginative and showy items. Otherwise, your inner child will be whining to you. Mama!

Leo, you ARE the inner child and if feeling insecure or over- exposed, you could be haughty. Your partners adore you so ask straight out for what you need. Rip up old scripts and do a rewrite on your love story about self and others. When you feel radiant, you are a humanitarian!

Virgo, you're loving your work. Remember not to sacrifice your needs. That's an old pattern the Leo/Aquarius eclipse cycle is helping you break. Think about what you call play. It may have to do with a new planning notebook, but whatever it is, relax and create something tangible.

Libra, what could be more fun than being a hostess introducing shakers-and-movers to other shakers-and-movers. So fill your calendar: tete-a-tetes over coffee, lunch with friends who simply must meet, dinner parties with seating charts. Raise funds for your favorite charity.

Scorpio, it's time for weirdos in your living room. What (r)evolutionary ideas are you hosting? At work, you pass as normal but old habits pop up. If you aren't getting noticed, you could sulk. Deep in your foundation, eclipses are breaking ground. You won't know yourself this time next year!

Sagittarius, exercise can work off excess energy that you don't want spilling all over others who may push back. Talking, writing, publishing, e-mails, phone calls – you love being communication central. If you have to miss a trip (no sniveling), you're shaking and moving.

Capricorn, in the middle of your intense, personal renovation process comes "responsibility." Stop! Is it yours or theirs? Your partners align with your values. If not, you'll carry more than your share. Be “responsive” to you. Then act. It's about your authority to say yes. Or no.

Jump Start Projects and Build Momentum

All astrological signs offer something to everyone. Why? Because everyone has every sign somewhere in their chart. It's a circle of life and no one gets to sit out a round. This month ushers in Capricorn, the CEO of our lives, who's empowered when committed to worth-while projects demanding focus and concentration. They are master builders using self-discipline, patience, and management skills to accomplish solid results. In other words, Capricorn activates our adult.

The most critical decision comes in choosing what path to invest time and energy in. The wrong one turns our Great Work into an endless chore fraught with greed, ambition, and authority issues. Cynicism, depression, and workaholism squeeze joy out as shown by Scrooge in “A Christmas Carol.” His weak response to the heart of Capricorn was no less than steps in the direction of death on a cold and lonely path.

Venus who's been traveling with the full (January 1) and new moon (January 16 at 6:17 pm PST) counsels us to commit to work we love whole-heartedly so our work nourishes us. Saturn and Pluto are nurtured by huge cultural and societal projects – like the Golden Gate Bridge, the shot to the moon, the restructuring of society. These are projects no one person can accomplish alone, but as a society we can. Some of us are nurtured building homes and families, small businesses and communities. It's a different legacy that takes time and commitment, too.

Our adult urges are on steroids with Saturn back home after thirty years, and six planets in Capricorn. With all planets in forward motion until March 8 - an exceptionally long period – there's a crazy amount of energy available for jump starting projects and building momentum.

What nourishes you, inspires you to accomplish, to make a contribution, to demonstrate excellence? And what chunk of it can you accomplish over the next three years - starting now?

If you know, well, take that castle in the air and build a foundation under it!

Horoscopes January 16 – 31

Capricorn, Happy Birthday! Six planets in your sign bring the wind beneath your wings AND at your back. Make a decision, a plan and act. Be sure your heart is in it because you are naturally responsible and responsibility is heavy, man. Dare do it your way. Steady as she goes, with heart.

Aquarius, six planets off-stage need quiet, slack time to work for you. Cycles are ending and beginning. Your inner world speaks in symbol, fragments of songs, dream images, it's foggy and mysterious. Use imagination and unfocused intuition. Thinking doesn't work.

Pisces, groups of friends with humanitarian missions have a powerhouse of help now. Get in there and make things happen. You may rub elbows with power players without even know it, so just be yourself and follow up with those who feel like kindred spirits.

Aries, wow! Six planets in your work arena where they belong. After seven years of breaking free to be you, take it to work and show them the dynamic, responsible and inspired leader you are. Try to catch the subtle subtext of the power players. Imagine, subtlety, another kind of power.

Taurus, stretch your borders and be, uh, flexible, so the energy heading right your way doesn't knock you off your feet, just out of your rut. Long-term energies are lining up. Take a long bath and visualize where you want to be in three years. No rush.

Gemini, there's a struggle to let the past go and push into the re-birth canal. Much of it is intuitive and involves trusting others. The energy isn't direct so you must go to it consciously with less logic and more feeling. But it isn't woo-woo. You don't know where you are going, but take steps.

Cancer, how you feel about partners, close friends, and co-operation is shifting. You don't do it like you did and you won't do it like you are now in the future. Do you need new eyes to reflect the changes in you? Your shift is shifting them, too. Stay with the steady ones.

Leo, efficient routines get the most out of the work and service you do, your daily health habits and how you work toward personal growth. You're used to the spotlight, but this is where the curtain drops and you do the detailed work of making magic happen. You need privacy.

Virgo, planets are mainlining creative inspiration to you. Surrender and you could A) have more fun and B) surprise yourself at how much creativity you've got. Structure play into your routine - a line item on the to-do list. Play is serious business for you. Oh, heck, just go network!

Libra, your classy style comes from secure foundations. There's renovation going on at home, psychologically speaking, and maybe a remodel, too. Design your home so it supports you. Make it a retreat and a place to invite others in. Be your best friend.

Scorpio, much of your energy is a performance keeping others from seeing the real you. Well, we see you - so give it up and take dynamic steps to just be you, already. New skills around language help navigate daily life. Take courage and show up. Only expand where you want to go.

Sagittarius, after Saturn's three-year training getting you grounded, you're integrating what it means to be steady and reliable. Do you have more money due to those lessons? How does that mesh with your sense of self, values and self-esteem? Next lesson: contemplative listening. Shhh!